An investigation into whether a group of construction workers got sick from a crop duster spraying pesticides ended with a state agency unable to confirm that drift was responsible.

But the sprayer, Nick’s Flying Service, did face a $1,000 fine for applying pesticides at the wrong wind speed.

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, MDARD, launched an investigation after 23 construction workers building a solar field in southwest Michigan alleged they were sprayed by pesticides on Aug. 3, 2023. Ten reported going to the hospital.

The investigation was closed nearly a year later on July 31, 2024.

A case file recently obtained by the Freedom of Information Act offers insight into a rare investigation of multiple people allegedly being harmed by drifting pesticides. I

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